College of Health Sciences

The College of Health Sciences started as the Faculty of Health Sciences University of Ilorin in 1977 with the appointment of Professor E.H.O. Parry as the foundation Dean under the Vice- Chancellorship of Professor O.O. Akinkugbe, himself, a distinguished scholar and an eminent Physician.

The first batch of academic staff were assembled, briefed and fully prepared for the new innovative medical program. The first curriculum workshop was held in March, 1978, at New-Bussa and attended by both foundation and prospective staff of twenty-one participants out of which twelve actually joined the faculty.

The Vice-Chancellor (Professor Akinkugbe), performed the official opening which was attended by his Royal Highness, Kigera II, the Emir of Borgu, the Kwara state commissioner for Education, representatives and functionaries of federal and state government in health and education. There was visiting consultant and expert in medical education from the World Health Organisation and the McMaster University, Canada.

At the workshop, very unique education principles were enunciated and adopted to reflect the continuity of medical education, by building bridges across the barrier created by the traditional division of training into Pre-clinical and Clinical compartments. Therefore, the curriculum was structured to be student-centred, problem-solving and integrated in learning. The hallmark of the philosophy was the Community Based Experience and Services (COBES). This programme has earned the College international recognition by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the NETWORK (now TUFH) of the community based medical schools (Maastricht, The Netherlands).

Before the conversion of the faculty into a College the administrative structure of the faculty was reviewed in 1981and 1983. However, on April 1st 2004, the faculty was converted into a College following the approval of the College statute by the Nigeria National Universities Commission (NUC). The ceremony for the conversion was performed on 22nd June, 2004. Currently, the College has two Faculties and a definite organogram showing levels of administration. There are also College Committees with specific functions. The attainment of a collegiate status is an evidence of growth and a major landmark in the University of Ilorin. The College moved to its permanent site in December, 2011.

Apart from the conversion into a College, growth has been recorded in other areas. The academic staff strength has increased significantly. The B.Sc programmes in Anatomy and Physiology were introduced in 1991/92 session, Nursing in 2010/2011 and B.Sc Basic Medical Sciences in 2011/2012 sessions respectively. In addition a centre of excellence in laparoendoscopic surgery is being established while facility for information and communication technology has been put in place with internet access. The central skill acquisition laboratory is being constructed. These projects are sponsored by the Tertiary Education Fund (TETFUND).

Where we are Located

We are located within the premises of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital along the State Polytechnic road, about 15 km from Ilorin the capital of Kwara state, north-central Nigeria.

Our Faculties

The College of Health Sciences is made up of two Faculties:

The Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences

The Faculty of Clinical sciences

Management

The College of Health Sciences Management is as follows: Provost: Professor ‘W.B.R. Johnson (FWACP)